Asian small-clawed otter

Description:

Oriental small-clawed otters are the smallest of all otters in the world. The overall length can range from 70 to 100 cm (28–39 in), about 30 cm (12 in) of which is comprised by the tail. Weight can range from 1 to 5.4 kg (2.2-11.9 lbs). Their body shape is typically slender, streamlined and serpentine, and its flexibility allows grooming of almost all their fur. Dark, grayish-brown fur covers most of the dorsal surface with a lighter cream coloration on the ventral surface, especially on their face and neck. The fur has relatively short hairs less than 2.5 cm in length, and it is fine, dense and velvety. Otters have two types of fur: long, stout guard hairs and a short, fine undercoat. Oriental small-clawed otters have flattened heads and short, thick necks; eyes are located toward the front of the head. Their ears are small and rounded, and a valve-like structure enables closure when swimming underwater. Nose pads are dusky or pinkish in color. They have vibrissae (whiskers) on their muzzle. The vibrissae are sensitive to touch and to underwater vibrations, and are important in detecting the movements of prey. Similar to other otters, oriental small-clawed otters have relatively short legs, which are used to swim, walk, groom and manipulate prey. Feet are very narrow and only webbed to the last joint — not all the way to the end of the toe. Thus, they have only partially webbed paws, which distinguishes them from all other otters. These partially webbed paws give them an excellent sense of touch and coordination, providing them with more dexterity than other otters with full webbing. Unlike other otters, they catch their prey in their paws instead of with their mouth. Their small, blunt, peg-like claws are extremely reduced and rarely extend past the digit. The oriental small-clawed otter's tail is long, about one-third of its total body length. The tail is thick at the base, muscular, flexible, and tapers to a point; Subcutaneous and scent glands are located at the base of the tail. The tail is used for propulsion when swimming at high speed, to steer when swimming slowly and for balance when standing upright on hind legs. (information from Wikipedia)

Notes:

These otters were spotted at National Zoo in Washington, D.C.. The second image shows a late-day yawn. The zoo was mere minutes from closing and I got to watch the keeper call the group inside for the night.